11, Aug 2026
Making Smart Use of Property Payment Plans
– Akash Pharande, Managing Director, Pharande Spaces
For many homebuyers, the main consideration while buying a home is not just its price but the timing of the payment. This is why property payment plans exist. They aren’t just sales or promotional tools – at their best, they give homebuyers a financial structure that allows them to align property acquisition with their actual income flow, savings, borrowing capacity, and their stage-of-life priorities.
Given their importance, payment plans should be studied – and understood – very seriously. In most real estate-related conversations, especially from the developer’s side, they are often packaged with catchy terms like ‘easy payment,’ ‘flexi plan,’ or ‘pay later.’ These terms may be partially true, but do NOT deliver the full meaning, impact, and ramifications.
Good payment plans do a lot more than just defer cash outflow – they have a bearing on actual affordability and management of liquidity and can be great tools to buy a property with superior foresight and discipline.
Understanding the True Value of a Payment Plan
The primary value of payment plans is the financial flexibility they can offer. Rather than needing the entire purchase price up front, a developer can permit a customer to pay in stages linked to time, construction progress, or possession. This makes it possible for homebuyers to match their financial obligation to the developer with their salary cycles or business income, as well as home loan disbursements or the sale of an existing property.
If you are an end-user – meaning you are buying a home for your personal use, not as an investment – a good payment plan can allow you to make a less stressful and more structured purchase decision. If you are an investor – meaning you are buying the home to rent it out and/or hold it till you can make a profit on its resale – such a plan can improve your capital allocation, since it negates a sizeable and immediate cash outflow.
Especially for under-construction projects, the right payment plan lets both types of buyers manage their cash prudently while the property is still being built.
Buyers tend to have varying financial profiles; some may be able to make a larger down payment to secure better commercial terms, while others may prioritize liquidity and prefer a lower initial capital spend even if the total payment schedule increases. In that sense, a payment plan becomes not just a method of paying but a method of planning.
Debunking Common Myths About Payment Plans
– One of the most common myths is that every payment plan results in higher affordability. Actually, a payment plan can reduce the burden of timing, but that has little bearing on the total cost of acquisition. It is important to compare the complete cost under each option, and this includes stamp duty and registration charges; applicable taxes, including GST on under-construction properties; maintenance deposits; the costs involved in the home loan; penalties; and often many other not-so-obvious cost components.
– A second myth is that possession-linked or deferred payment plans are completely devoid of risk. While they can lower the near-term financial strain, they do not eliminate all risks – including those pertaining to project delays, approvals, and financing. It is very important to remember that no payment plan, no matter how good it is, will ever replace the need for due diligence.
– A third myth is that the safest payment plans are always linked to phases of construction. They can definitely be more balanced than time-linked payment plans, but only if there are clearly defined construction milestones in place. If the stages are vague or loosely worded, disputes may arise over whether an instalment is actually due or not.
– A fourth misconception worth mentioning is that since the bank is happy to fund a project, there is nothing else left for the buyer to verify. Actually, a lender’s assessment and due diligence by the buyer are far from the same thing – you still need to examine the title, check whether all approvals have been secured, determine the actual carpet area of your unit, and review every aspect related to project specifications, payment obligations, and contract clauses.
Different Types of Property Payment Plans
The commonest payment structure is the down-payment plan, under which you make a hefty down payment, and the remaining amount must be paid according to a short schedule or when you take possession of the unit. This often comes with some financial incentives, but the heavy early burden on the buyer is obvious.
Then there are construction-linked plans where you make payments according to the progress the project makes on the ground. Many buyers prefer this model for under-construction units, since there is a logical link between payment disbursal and verifiable on-site development.
On the other hand, a time-linked payment plan follows a fixed calendar schedule and has nothing to do with construction progress. While this payment plan is predictable, it can become problematic if there is a slowdown in project execution, as payments will still be required regardless of progress.
Possession-linked payment plans often call for a lower initial payment and a larger amount as possession nears. Such a plan can be suitable for homebuyers who want to preserve liquidity during construction. However, they need to make considerable advance preparations for the larger obligation in the future.
The much-touted ‘flexi plans’ are a combination of several payment structures. The buyer may only have to make a moderate up front payment and the remaining payments in later tranches. They are specifically designed to appeal to a wider buyer base and can be genuinely beneficial as long as they are transparently structured.
There can also be loan-linked or subvention-style payment plans where the payment schedule is coordinated with bank finance. Such plans call for particular high levels of caution, since you need to fully understand exactly who bears the interest burden and for how long and under what circumstances.
Precautions Buyers Must Take Before Opting In
– Legal & Regulatory Verification
Buyers must verify that the project has a proper registration under the applicable state RERA and must review the project details disclosed on that authority’s website carefully. RERA specifically stipulates that a promoter is generally not permitted to market or sell a project if it falls under its ambit if it has not been duly registered, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
In some cases, the project’s plot size may be small enough to exempt it from RERA registration. In such a case, buyers must understand their rights under other applicable laws, such as MOFA in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, 1963, is a state law that regulates the construction, sale, management, and transfer of flats in the state of Maharashtra and protects buyers from various kinds of frauds by developers. It also mandates clear project disclosures and governs the formation of housing societies and conveyance deeds.
– Everything in Writing
Secondly, buyers must not make any substantial payments solely based on verbal assurances or booking forms. The law specifies that no promoter can accept more than 10% of the cost of an apartment, plot, or building as an advance or application fee if there is no written agreement for sale in place.
You must also ask for a complete payment breakup in writing. The base price is only a part of the story – other charges can impact the real cost of acquisition very meaningfully.
– Check The Plan for Actual Affordability
The affordability of any payment plan must be fully stress-tested – you must completely understand if you can sustain paying the instalments even if interest rates increase or the project is delayed, in which case you will have to pay rent for longer than you initially thought. A payment plan may pass the ‘wind tunnel’ test – meaning it may make sense on paper and under normal circumstances – but will it remain comfortable if the market changes for any reason?
– Don’t Wing It Legally
Always have an independent legal professional thoroughly check the sales agreement. Payment plans are designed to look good on paper, but what matters most is what is written into the contract – including default clauses, delay provisions, refund terms, and escalation conditions.
To conclude, I will repeat that a property payment plan is not so much a promotional offer as it is a risk-and-cash-flow management arrangement. If the plan is beneficial in your particular case, it can certainly improve your property buying experience. But it can only work well if you understand everything it implies – including in terms of payment schedules, the total cost, and all the underlying legal commitments.
About the author:
Akash Pharande is Managing Director of Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Aug 2026
Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet Launches Major School Leadership Programme and Career Talks Initiative
Hyderabad, Aug 11: Reinforcing its century-old legacy of nurturing future-ready leaders, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet has launched a comprehensive Leadership Programme that places leadership development at the heart of every student’s educational journey. Designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, empathy, critical thinking and decision-making from an early age, the programme reaches over 3,500 students across all grades and curricula, making it one of the most extensive school-based leadership initiatives in the world.
As part of the programme’s launch, the school organised the second edition of The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks, bringing together accomplished industry professionals, entrepreneurs and HPS alumni to engage with more than 300 students across the ICSE, ISC and Cambridge curricula. The initiative marked the beginning of a broader leadership journey that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future while developing the qualities required to lead with purpose.
Leadership has always been central to HPS’s philosophy of education. Introduced during the school’s centenary year, when leadership emerged as the defining theme, the newly launched. Through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum, students participate in four leadership modules each academic year, amounting to nearly 12 hours of dedicated leadership learning annually. By graduation, every student will have completed 48 unique leadership modules, each designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, collaboration, innovation, global citizenship and ethical leadership.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Skand Bali, Principal, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, said,
“Leadership is not a skill that begins in adulthood; it is cultivated through experiences, opportunities and reflection from an early age. At HPS, we believe every child has the potential to lead, whether in a classroom, a community or on the global stage. Our Leadership Programme has been designed to nurture that potential systematically, helping students develop the confidence, empathy and character to navigate an increasingly complex world. The HPS Dialogues Career Talks is a natural extension of this vision, allowing students to learn directly from those who have transformed ideas into impact.”
The programme follows a carefully scaffolded progression across all grades. Younger students begin by developing self-awareness and teamwork before progressing to communication, problem-solving, adaptability and innovation. Senior students explore strategic leadership, global citizenship and legacy-building, ensuring leadership development evolves alongside their intellectual and emotional growth. Leveraging the school’s expansive campus as a dynamic learning environment, the programme encourages students to think independently, communicate effectively and take initiative in authentic situations.
The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks embodies this experiential philosophy by bringing professionals directly into the school environment. Organised by the Office of College & Career Guidance in partnership with the Oyster team, the two-day event introduced students to diverse careers spanning hospitality, biotechnology, finance, entrepreneurship, fine arts, healthcare entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, robotics, media ventures and public leadership.
For Grade 10 students, the sessions offered an early understanding of emerging and traditional professions, while Grades 11 and 12 engaged in deeper conversations around industries that are rapidly transforming the global economy. More importantly, students were encouraged to connect their academic learning with practical career pathways, replacing uncertainty with informed exploration.
A defining feature of the initiative was the participation of HPS alumni, who returned to their alma mater to share personal journeys, professional challenges and lessons from the workplace. Their presence transformed the sessions into meaningful conversations across generations, giving students authentic perspectives that extend far beyond textbooks and examinations.
The Career Talks initiative is part of the broader HPS World is My Oyster programme, an alumni-led platform founded on the belief that students understand careers best by experiencing them first-hand. Launched in 2024, its flagship initiative, Take Your First Dip, enables students from Classes 9 to 12 to shadow HPS alumni in workplaces across multiple industries. In its inaugural year alone, the programme placed 110 students across 120 internships hosted by 25 alumni-led organisations representing 11 career streams, including healthcare, aviation, aerospace, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurship and technology.
Together, Career Talks and Take Your First Dip create a comprehensive career exploration ecosystem, beginning with conversations that spark curiosity and extending into immersive workplace experiences that build clarity, confidence and informed career choices.
Looking ahead, HPS Begumpet plans to expand the initiative through cluster-based career sessions, expert panel discussions and a structured alumni mentorship programme that will foster sustained engagement between students and graduates of the institution.
By seamlessly integrating leadership education, career awareness and experiential learning, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet continues to redefine holistic education. As it enters its next century, the institution remains committed to preparing students not only to excel academically but also to become thoughtful, compassionate and capable leaders ready to shape the future.
11, Aug 2026
GI Products Get a Major Market Push as MSME Ministry and DPIIT Join Hands
New Delhi, Aug 11: India’s traditional and region-specific products are set to get a wider market reach as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) join hands to turn Geographical Indication (GI) products into stronger commercial opportunities for local producers.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5 at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, creating a joint framework to improve the commercialisation, quality and market access of GI products.
The initiative is aimed at helping artisans, weavers, traditional producers and small businesses take their products beyond local markets and connect with customers and buyers across India and overseas.
A GI tag gives legal recognition to products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are closely linked to a particular geographical region. But for many producers, recognition is only the first step. Reaching larger markets, building a customer base and securing better commercial opportunities can remain difficult.
The new partnership seeks to bridge that gap by combining GI protection with enterprise development, digital commerce and organised marketing.
Under the agreement, GI producer groups and authorised users will be supported in accessing the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a dedicated “Bharat GI” banner.
For small producers, this can create new avenues to showcase and sell their products beyond their immediate regions. Greater digital visibility can also help traditional products reach younger consumers, institutional buyers, retailers and potential exporters.
The two organisations will also work to strengthen the link between GI products and the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem. Dedicated GI pavilions at national and international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meetings will provide additional opportunities for producers to meet large buyers and explore new markets.
The focus will not be limited to marketing. The partnership will also support capacity building, quality standardisation and digital enablement, helping producer collectives become better prepared to compete in organised and premium markets.
For artisans and traditional producers, stronger demand can translate into better income opportunities and more sustainable livelihoods. It can also encourage communities to preserve skills and production traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The initiative brings together DPIIT’s role in GI registration and intellectual property protection with the MSME Ministry’s work in enterprise development, traditional industries and artisan support.
The broader aim is to ensure that India’s regional identity becomes an economic strength for the communities that create these products. By connecting traditional goods with digital platforms, government procurement and global markets, the partnership seeks to give local producers a stronger place in the modern economy.
The initiative also supports the broader goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, while strengthening India’s GI ecosystem and creating a more direct link between the country’s rich cultural heritage and new commercial opportunities.
11, Aug 2026
Wall Street Edges Lower as Middle East Tensions Push Oil Prices Higher
New York, Aug 11: US stock markets closed slightly lower on Monday as rising tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices higher and increased uncertainty for investors.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The S&P 500 declined 0.06 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.32 per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.11 per cent.
Higher oil prices remained the key concern for markets. Investors are worried that prolonged disruptions to energy supplies could increase fuel and transportation costs, putting pressure on businesses and consumers.
A sustained rise in crude prices could also make it more difficult for inflation to ease, adding another challenge for the US economy and financial markets.
The impact was visible across Wall Street, although the losses remained limited. Investors continued to assess corporate earnings and economic conditions while keeping a close watch on developments in the Middle East.
Technology stocks faced some pressure, contributing to the decline in the Nasdaq. At the same time, energy-related companies could benefit from higher crude prices, creating mixed effects across different parts of the market.
The latest session reflects a cautious approach among investors as geopolitical uncertainty adds to existing concerns over inflation, interest rates and economic growth.
For households, prolonged higher energy prices could eventually translate into more expensive fuel, transport and other goods and services. For companies, higher energy and logistics costs could affect profit margins.
Markets are expected to remain sensitive to developments in the region, particularly any changes that could affect global oil supplies and shipping routes.
The modest decline in the major US indices shows that investors remain cautious but have so far absorbed the latest geopolitical risks without a sharp market sell-off.
11, Aug 2026
Vestige launches Veg-Glucosamine and KidoShake to strengthen focus on joint health and child nutrition
Bengaluru, Aug 11: Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., only Indian multinational direct‑selling company, has launched two new products — Vestige Veg-Glucosamine, a plant‑based joint health supplement, and Vestige KidoShake, a chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food for children. The products are now part of the company’s wellness portfolio.
With these launches, Vestige is addressing two growing health priorities in India: support for adult joint health and balanced nutrition for children.
In addition to the already existing Vestige Glucosamine, this newly introduced Vestige Veg–Glucosamine is positioned as a vegetarian and vegan‑friendly alternative to conventional glucosamine supplements. The product uses glucosamine sulphate produced through advanced corn fermentation technology and plant‑based chondroitin sulphate derived from algae. According to the company, the formulation is designed to support joint mobility and flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help maintain muscle health.
The introduction of a plant‑based glucosamine option comes at a time when joint health concerns are becoming more prominent, particularly with age‑related decline in natural glucosamine levels after 40 and increasing awareness around preventive health. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cruelty‑free, plant‑based wellness solutions, including those avoiding animal‑derived ingredients for dietary or personal reasons.
Vestige KidoShake is a 200 g chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food aimed at supporting children’s nutritional intake. Each serving provides 6 g of protein along with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. The product combines a blend of whey, casein, and soy proteins with probiotics and micronutrients to support healthy growth, digestion, and immunity.
The company said KidoShake is positioned as a convenient nutrition supplement for children aged 2 years and above who may have selective eating habits or inadequate dietary intake, and is aligned with the broader need to improve child nutrition outcomes in India.
Commenting on the launches, Mr. Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, “With Vestige Veg–Glucosamine and Vestige KidoShake, we are strengthening our portfolio with focused solutions for adult joint health and child nutrition. Our goal is to offer science‑backed, inclusive products that fit modern lifestyles and help more people take charge of their well‑being.
11, Aug 2026
Private Equity Fund Managers Don’t Have AI Use Policies for Compliance
Aug 11: Most private equity fund managers do not have formal policies for the use of AI in compliance despite using it widely for regulatory reporting on deals, new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider, shows.
The study, which surveyed private equity fund managers across the U.S. and Europe collectively managing $3.511 trillion, found just one in 20 have policies for the use of AI in compliance and regulation, compared with nearly nine out of 10 (89%) who have formal policies on the use of AI for investment decision-making. However, 69% say AI is used for compliance and regulatory reporting in relation to deals and decision-making, Ocorian’s study across all key U.S. markets, and in the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Bulgaria, found.
AI adoption is outpacing governance
In fact, AI is most widely used for compliance and regulatory reporting, the research found. Around 57% questioned said they used AI for portfolio monitoring and performance analytics while 44% use AI for due diligence and data analysis and 41% for investor communications and LP reporting.
Not all firms questioned have integrated the use of AI into investment deals and decision-making – around 37% saying they are piloting AI tools while 1% said they were not using it at all.
Legacy systems and cybersecurity remain major barriers
One of the challenges of adapting processes to incorporating AI may be due to the prevalence of legacy systems within firms. 70% identified the integration of new technology with legacy systems as their biggest technology-related compliance issue for the next two years.
The findings also highlight a broader concern around how AI will be governed once it is in place. Nearly six out of 10 (57%) said adapting AI to governance requirements will be the biggest challenge, while 56% highlighted cybersecurity requirements and data protection with 50% identifying pressure to keep up with regulatory requirements for digital infrastructure. Cost appears to be less of a barrier, with just 28% pointing to the cost of compliance technology, such as RegTech platforms.
Abi Reilly, Partner, Regulatory & Compliance at Ocorian, said: “Given the widespread use of AI by private equity fund managers it is concerning and surprising that so few have adapted formal policies for the use of AI in compliance.
“Most firms have recognised the need for formal policies covering its use in investment decision making and that should also apply in compliance as firms expand their use of AI across business functions.
“Cost does not appear to be a major issue with firms willing to spend, but legacy systems may be a stumbling block. In light of the technology challenges being faced there is a strong argument for private equity fund managers to seek outside support and expertise.”
11, Aug 2026
Mastered for the masses: PPDS redefines dvLED accessibility and versatility with new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series
Seamlessly simple. Functionally stunning: The new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series redefines back to basics dvLED with better than basics quality and performance. Economically pleasing and easy on the eye, this versatile new series delivers outstanding picture quality, colour uniformity and refresh rates, enabling businesses of all sizes to shine bright in a competitive market.
Amsterdam, Aug 11: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is excited to announce the new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series, bringing a new generation of ultra flexible, energy conscious dvLED panels designed to deliver premium visual performance while making LED technology more accessible for a wider range of businesses and budgets.
Extending PPDS’ commitment to its lineup of ‘elemental’, more investment friendly professional displays, such as the recently launched Philips Signage 2000 Series, the new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series enters the market as PPDS’ most accessible 16:9 dvLED range to date, empowering businesses to enjoy the performance and efficiencies available through LED technology.
Built with flexibility and versatility at its core, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is designed to deliver impactful visual experiences across almost any indoor environment, with retail, corporate, transportation, education, hospitality, events, and public venues among target markets.
Quality without compromise
Bringing the advanced features and capabilities already within PPDS’ premium COB LED portfolio to a more accessible price point, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is available in four pixel pitch options – 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8pp – helping customers select the ideal solution for their specific viewing distances and application needs.
Designed to perform across a wide range of environments and lighting conditions – from dynamic video content to detailed presentations in boardrooms – the 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5pp models deliver 600 nits brightness and 3840 Hz refresh rates. The 1.8pp model increases this further with 1000 nits brightness and 7680 Hz refresh rates, for flicker free, seamless visuals.
Jeroen Brants, Global Product Director LED Displays at PPDS, commented: “At PPDS, we believe premium visual experiences should be accessible to all. Historically, customers looking to deploy LED solutions at a lower price point have often faced compromises, whether in performance, reliability or ongoing support. With the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series, customers can benefit from outstanding visual quality, dependable performance, and the reassurance of working with a trusted global brand.”
Cool, consistent, reliable
Joining PPDS’ growing COB LED family, which includes the Philips Unite LED 5000, as well as the Philips Unite LED 6000 panels and Philips Unite LED 6000 All In One Series, the new 3000 Series is also armed with advanced common cathode technology, to deliver outstanding colour accuracy, enhanced stability, and reliability, as well as energy efficiency.
With a 96% colour gamut, vibrant colours, deep blacks, and uniform brightness, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series ensures content is reproduced with exceptional realism and precision. From brand showcases and advertising to automotive, fashion, and retail environments, it enables organisations to present products and messaging exactly as intended.
The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series also continues PPDS’ unwavering focus and commitment to delivering industry leading sustainable solutions to market, with the common cathode technology allowing displays to operate on lower energy consumption. Coupled with adaptive brightness, automatically adjusting to light conditions – such as a retail windows, transportation hubs, or office and school auditoriums – customers can expect a lower cost of ownership and extended lifetimes compared to common anode models.
Built to last
For additional peace of mind, particularly in demanding environments and where air quality is poor, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series has been built to last, with IP54 ingress protection rating for dust and water resistance to the front, and IP31 to the back of each panel.
Maintenance is made simple through a smooth, easy to clean surface and convenient front and rear access. Using the supplied T-hex tool, modules within each cabinet can be unlocked and removed quickly, allowing straightforward access to the power supply, hub board and wiring for efficient servicing.
The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is available for pre order now globally, with shipments commencing in August.
Jeroen Brants concluded: “At PPDS, we don’t believe in limitations. The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series has been designed from the ground up to deliver exceptional performance, flexibility, and value. With its 16:9 format and versatile installation options, it is ideally suited for a wide range of indoor environments – from displaying dynamic video content and detailed visuals such as spreadsheets in professional settings, to delivering fast and vibrant content feeds in applications such as public venues.”
“Today’s announcement represents an important step forward in making professional LED technology available to an even wider audience.”
11, Aug 2026
Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai: Author Kartikeya Vajpai’s New Podcast Brings a Deeper Lens to Life, Purpose and Contemporary Living
Mumbai, Aug 11: As social media feeds increasingly shape how people see themselves and external validation becomes a measure of success, Author Kartikeya Vajpai’s new podcast Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai turns the conversation inward. The lawyer, cricketer, author and spiritual seeker explore why people increasingly live through borrowed identities, build networks instead of relationships, and seek completion outside themselves, arguing that meaningful change begins from within.
The inaugural episode confronts the performative nature of modern life, where an Instagram feed becomes a resume, and self-worth is measured by external validation. Kartikeya also challenges conventional ideas of relationships, arguing that a perfect relationship can exist only between two complete individuals.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the podcast, Kartikeya Vajpai said, “Insight Out began with a simple intention: to make timeless wisdom practical. But more importantly, it was born from a realization that we are living on a borrowed identity. The digital algorithm constantly serves us a version of who we should become. We find connecting with strangers easier than connecting with ourselves—and that is the irony we need to sit with. A perfect relationship exists only between two complete individuals. Not two people seeking completion through each other.”
Rather than following a conventional interview format, Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai creates contemplative conversations that leave audiences with powerful questions long after the episode ends. The podcast will explore themes of ambition, failure, purpose, leadership, relationships, and the changing nature of contemporary life, bringing perspectives that challenge familiar ways of thinking.
The launch marks a natural extension of Kartikeya’s work through The Unbecoming: Let Life Reveal Its Purpose, his debut book that explores identity, ego, and renewal through the journey of a celebrated cricketer confronting the collapse of the life he built around success.
For those overwhelmed by the noise of everyday life, Kartikeya offers a grounding reminder: the most meaningful shift doesn’t require escaping the world; it requires turning our attention back to the one relationship we’ve neglected. He invites listeners to pause, reflect, and acknowledge their inner truth, because every meaningful change in the outer world is simply a reflection of the work we choose to do within ourselves.
The first full segment of Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai is now available on Kartikeya Vajpai’s YouTube channel.
11, Aug 2026
Tungaloy Releases 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report Highlighting 2025 Progress
Aug 08: Tungaloy Corporation has released its 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s 2025 environmental performance, key sustainability initiatives, and progress toward its long-term sustainability goals.
Driven by its “Think Green” philosophy, Tungaloy integrates environmental responsibility into product development, manufacturing operations, and the machining solutions it delivers to customers worldwide. The report demonstrates how engineering innovation supports lower emissions, improved resource efficiency, and more sustainable manufacturing across the entire value chain.
The report is structured around three strategic pillars:
- Climate & Energy – reducing emissions through renewable energy, energy optimization, and operational improvements.
- Material & Product Efficiency – developing machining solutions that improve productivity while reducing energy consumption, carbide usage, and material waste.
- Safe & Responsible Operations – promoting responsible manufacturing through environmental management, employee engagement, and community initiatives.
With the release of its 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report, Tungaloy reaffirms its commitment to “Machining × Responsibility”, advancing sustainability through innovation, responsible manufacturing, and customer-focused engineering solutions.
11, Aug 2026
Malaysia Airlines’ MHsports Challenge Offers an Exclusive Opportunity to Ride Alongside Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang in Melbourne
Five cyclists will win an all-expenses-paid trip featuring an exclusive velodrome experience and coastal ride with “The Pocket Rocketman”
KLIA, Aug 11 – Malaysia Airlines has launched the “Ride Together, Fly Together” Challenge, giving cyclists, fitness enthusiasts and sporting communities the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid cycling experience in Melbourne with MHsports Ambassador and Malaysian track cycling champion, Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang (known fondly as The Pocket Rocketman), fresh from his recent gold medal victory at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The challenge invites participants to complete a 6.5-kilometre ride on the global fitness platform Strava from 7 to 28 August 2026 for a chance to be one of the five lucky winners. No flight booking or purchase is required to participate.
The five winners will travel to Melbourne for an exclusive cycling programme where they will gain behind-the-scenes access to elite track cycling at the Joe Ciavola Velodrome (DISC Velodrome), including a training observation session, velodrome tour, equipment and technology showcase, WattBike sprint challenge, and a meet-and-greet with the cycling champion. The experience culminates in a 60.7-kilometre coastal ride alongside Dato’ Azizulhasni from St Kilda to Mount Martha, taking participants along the scenic Port Phillip Bay coastline.
Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “MHsports was created to make travel more accessible and convenient for athletes, sporting teams and active communities, whether they are traveling to compete, train or pursue the sport they love. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more people to stay active while demonstrating how Malaysia Airlines can support their sporting journeys beyond the destination. Together with Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, we are giving aspiring cyclists an opportunity to ride alongside one of Malaysia’s greatest sporting icons and gain first-hand insight into the world of elite track cycling.”
Joining the challenge involves these simple steps*:
1. Join the official MHsports Challenge on Strava here.
2. Record at least 6.5 kilometres of eligible cycling activity during the challenge period.
· Participants who achieve this milestone will receive a unique promotional code for 15% off their next flight on Malaysia Airlines.
3. Submit your details and a screenshot of your achievement via the dedicated MHsports challenge campaign page for a chance to become one of the five winners.
· Verified participants will also receive a separate new promotional code for 10% off eligible flights which can be used for future purchases.
Beyond the experience, Melbourne rewards travellers with its renowned coffee culture, art-filled laneways and vibrant urban experiences. Malaysia Airlines connects Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne through its extensive Australia and New Zealand network, where travellers can experience one of the youngest fleets serving the region with the airline’s flagship A330neo.
Malaysia Airlines is also offering promotional fares across its network, available for booking from now until 30 October 2026, for travel until 30 November 2026.
Designed for sporting communities, MHsports is Malaysia Airlines’ curated travel offering that provides flexible travel dates, an additional 10kg baggage allowance, complimentary pre-selected seating and advance check-in. Travellers can also pre-book seats and add passengers up to 24 hours before ticket issuance, making it easier to manage team arrangements and accommodate last-minute changes.
*Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the campaign page for more details.
